islands to discuss global problems.

And the meeting could be a vital indicator to the whole world about how to deal with environmental issues.

The top-level team, led by Environment Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons, left for Barbados yesterday to take part in the first Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.

Bermuda's team also includes Permanent Secretary of the Environment Dr. James Burnett-Herkes and Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks Mr. John Barnes.

The conference was called for at the Earth Summit -- the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, held in Brazil in June, 1992. It aims to put together strategies and measures to enhance the sustainable development of small islands.

Sen. Simons said before leaving: "The conference is going to discuss such issues as climate change and sea-level rise, human resource development, natural disasters, waste management, fresh water resources, land use, energy, tourism, coastal and marine resources, biodiversity and transport and communications.

"This is going to be an excellent opportunity to exchange information with islands which have environmental concerns similar to our own, and to develop contacts which are going to be valuable in our work in Bermuda.

"I am also very conscious and excited about the fact that we will have an opportunity to make a contribution to proceedings which are likely to be historically important.'' As it is a dependent territory, Bermuda will form part of the United Kingdom's delegation to the conference, scheduled to last until May 6.